Snow is in the forecast for the 21st annual Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Holiday Fest on Friday, Dec. 5 on the great lawn at Founders Park.
“Bundle up your family for one of the most exciting community events on the calendar,” said Chamber of Commerce president Rob Stober. “This will be a great time for everyone to kick off the holiday season.”
Beginning at 4 p.m. and concluding at 10 p.m., magical snow blowing from the 35-foot holiday tree will transform the park into a winter wonderland, creating the perfect setting for families and friends to gather and celebrate together.
The event’s star attraction, the Snow Mountain, returns for the 21st year and brings fun to island kids. Featuring 30 tons of snow, it’s an enchanting experience for many children who are seeing snow for the very first time. Brand-new this year for the littlest visitors: Snowflake Mountain made of tons of whimsical, magical bubbles.
At 7:30 p.m., the Holiday Parade will circle the great lawn, featuring floats, the Coral Shores High School Marching Band, antique cars, and Santa himself on the final float. State Rep. Jim Mooney, a lifelong Keys resident and former Islamorada mayor, will lead the parade as grand marshal. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to participate, with no fee to enter, and awards presented for first, second and third place based on creativity and adherence to this year’s theme: “A Season for Kindness … to Every Creature Great and Small.”
The festival also features a holiday bazaar, the perfect place to jump-start your holiday shopping. A highlight of the bazaar is the online auction of handcrafted ornaments, created by more than 60 local artists. Each begins with a blank ceramic mold and transforms it into an original holiday treasure. The finished ornaments will be judged and displayed throughout the event, with online bidding open from Sunday, Nov. 30 at 12:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on festival night.
A portion of the proceeds benefits the local arts community. The bazaar will also showcase local vendors offering gifts, handcrafted jewelry and artisan crafts.
Returning this year is the Publix Holiday Sweet Shoppe, offering a selection of sweet treats and giveaways. In addition, a wide variety of savory food options will be available throughout the evening from local vendors.
Additional highlights include photos with Santa, live holiday stage performances and the Mister Gingerbread Man and Miss Sugarplum Fairy contests. All participants will take the stage for a festive visit with Mrs. Claus and receive a bag of holiday treats. One boy and one girl will be crowned for 2025. Also returning is the Santa Paws Pet Parade, where furry companions take the stage in their most festive holiday attire.
More information is available at 305-664-4503 or at the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at the entrance to Founders Park. Visitors are asked to bring reusable, non-glass drink containers to help keep Holiday Fest plastic-free.
